The Scam Archive

Real examples, plainly explained. Search by scam, sender, domain, or phone number and learn the red flags before you click.

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Recent Scams

Fresh sightings with quick takeaways you can share.

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Charity Crowdfunding

Fake Crowdfunding Withdrawal Fee Scam

Scammers set up a fundraising website that looks like a real GoFundMe-style platform. People create campaigns and start seeing “donations” appear — often large amounts that feel life-changing. When they try to withdraw, the money is locked behind extra steps such as buying “points,” “badges,” “verification,” or paying “processing fees.” The goal is to make victims pay these upfront fees again and again, while no real payout ever happens. This scam often targets people already under financial stress.

2026-10-23 Read more

Advance Fee Loan

Advance-Fee Loan Release Scam

You’re told that a loan, payout, or “approved payment” is ready and will be sent to your bank “immediately” — but first you must pay a smaller fee (often called a release, processing, clearance, or compliance fee). Once you pay, the scammers either ask for more money because of “new problems,” or they disappear. No money is ever released.

Amazon Smishing

Amazon Product Recall Smishing Scam

Scammers send mass SMS messages impersonating Amazon's "Risk Management Team," claiming a recent purchase has been recalled due to "2026 safety requirements." A fake order number adds false legitimacy. The link leads victims through a fake human-verification checkpoint, then to a convincing counterfeit Amazon login page designed to steal their email address and password.

Booking.com Booking.com hosts

Booking.com Host Reservation Change Scam

Scammers target property owners, hosts, and managers who list on Booking.com. The message claims a guest wants to change or extend a stay and pressures the host to confirm quickly so they do not lose the booking. The link usually leads to a fake Booking.com sign-in or approval page designed to steal account credentials or take over the host account.

Cloud Storage Object Storage

Cloud-Hosted Phishing Page Scam

Scammers can use legitimate cloud-storage and file-hosting services to publish fake sign-in pages, payment forms, prize pages, delivery notices, and downloads. The cloud provider's name in a web address does not mean that the page or offer belongs to that provider or to the brand shown on the page. The real warning signs are what the page asks you to do and whether the address matches the organization you intended to visit.

Casino Gambling

Casino Payout Confirmation Scam

Victims receive an email or message claiming that their casino winnings or payout request has been confirmed. The message uses fake verification details and official-looking logos to appear legitimate, luring the victim into clicking a link to a fraudulent casino site or handing over sensitive information. The goal is to steal money, credit card details, or encourage further gambling deposits that can never be withdrawn.

Coinbase Crypto

Coinbase Pairing Scam

Scammers impersonate Coinbase and send fake alerts claiming that your Coinbase account has been paired with an external service (such as Ledger Live) without your authorization. The message pressures you to call a fake support number where scammers attempt to steal your login details, 2FA codes, or crypto assets.

Phishing Impersonation

Fake Company Survey with Free Gift Scam

Scammers pretend to be well-known companies, like AAA or other membership services, and send emails inviting you to take a quick survey about your recent experience. The message often promises a free reward—such as a gift card, roadside kit, or other “thank you” item—for completing the survey. The link in the email doesn’t go to the real company. Instead, it leads to a fake site that either tries to steal your personal details, trick you into entering payment info for shipping, or installs harmful software on your device.

USPS Shipping

Delivery Address Confirmation Scam

Scammers send a text claiming to be from USPS or U.S. Customs saying your package can’t be delivered because of an “invalid ZIP code” or missing address. The message includes a link to “confirm” your information or asks you to reply with a single letter (like Y). The link leads to a fake website that steals your personal details and card numbers, or installs malware.

Browse by category

Start with the most common patterns and their warning signs.

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Phishing

Attempts to trick victims into revealing credentials or sensitive info by impersonating trusted services.

Refund / Invoice Bait

Fake invoices or 'refund' notices that trick victims into calling scammers or installing remote-access tools.

Tech Support / Remote Access

Scammers claim there is a virus or issue and request remote access or payment for fake fixes.

Investment / Crypto

Fraudulent investments or crypto scams promising guaranteed returns or exclusive offers.

Romance / Dating

Emotional manipulation via dating platforms leading to requests for money or gifts.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Targeted fraud against companies by spoofing executives, vendors, or partners.

Marketplace / Classifieds

Fake listings, rental scams, or overpayment schemes on marketplaces and classifieds.

Job / Work-From-Home

Fake job offers requiring upfront fees, equipment purchases, or acting as a money mule.

Advance Fee Fraud

Scammers promise a large payout, inheritance, contract transfer, or released funds, then demand fees, bank details, or identity documents before the money can be received.

Lottery / Prize

Fraudulent prize claims requiring fees or sensitive info to claim winnings.

Charity / Disaster Relief

Fake charities exploiting disasters or tragedies to solicit fraudulent donations.

Shipping / Delivery

Fake delivery notifications tricking victims into clicking malicious links or paying fees.

Impersonation / Social Media

Accounts or pages impersonating individuals or brands to defraud followers.

Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Phishing attempts delivered by text message linking to fake sites or requesting responses.

Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Phone-based scams impersonating banks, government, or companies.

Extortion / Sextortion

Threats to expose sensitive or fake compromising information unless paid.

Malware / Attachment

Emails or downloads containing malicious attachments or links to malware.

Credential Harvesting

Fake websites or forms designed to steal login details, MFA codes, or personal data.

Money Mule / Asset Transfer

Victims recruited to move money or goods, often unknowingly laundering funds.

Crypto Wallet / Exchange Impersonation

Fake crypto wallets, exchanges, or airdrops designed to steal private keys or funds.

Image-Based Fraud

Scams using doctored screenshots, payment proofs, or manipulated images.

Quick tip: Pause before you pay

Unexpected refunds, gift-card demands, and urgent invoices are classic pressure tactics. Verify using a trusted phone number or website—not the link you were sent.

See common red flags